Syracuse University's iSchool Launches Programs in Data Analytics and Technology in Society
April 02 2021 - 7:12AM
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, the School of Information
Studies is challenged to ensure that its students and faculty are
studying at the leading edge of their field. From human-centered
design to cloud computing, machine learning to artificial
intelligence and beyond, students and faculty are asking the
questions that drive the future of business, technology and
society.
It’s with this spirit of innovation that the iSchool announces
the launch of two new undergraduate programs: innovation,
society and technology and applied data analytics. These
two new majors will complement the current information
management and technology program and will provide further
opportunity for inquiry and exploration.
“We’re excited to add new undergraduate programs at the
iSchool,” says Bruce Kingma, director of undergraduate programs.
“There’s a growing need to understand data and technology’s role in
society. Businesses want to know how to use technology to reach
their audiences. They want to improve cybersecurity. And they want
to find efficient ways to use and manage data. These new programs
give students the chance to specialize in any of these areas. After
graduation, they’ll be top candidates for many emerging
roles.”
Students in the applied data analytics program will
learn to find, present and apply data insights to anything from
policy, to product, marketing and business decisions. They’ll study
R and Python programming languages and visual and conceptual data
science methods, as well as explore new approaches to machine
learning and artificial intelligence.
The innovation, society and technology program takes a
liberal arts approach to technology. Students will explore how
technology impacts society, studying topics like misinformation,
privacy issues and policymaking. They will also learn how social
media and technology impact communication, advocacy and social
justice.
The information management and technology program will
focus on the intersection of business and technology. Students will
examine how technology systems are integrated into organizations of
all sizes, and how to develop and manage those systems. They will
also study topics like website design, cybersecurity and the future
of work.
Each of the programs will prepare graduates with the skills to
become innovative leaders and experts in their fields. iSchoolers
learn to challenge themselves, so they feel confident entering the
workforce. And they are in-demand, earning them the highest
placement rates and starting salaries of any school on
campus.
“The job market at the intersection of business, tech and data
continues to grow,” says iSchool Dean Raj Dewan. “Our graduates are
sought after because we’re always innovating our programs to keep
up with the job market and align our programs with what employers
are seeking. With these two new programs, our students will be able
to specialize in areas that interest them, while gaining the skills
that will prepare them for successful careers.”
New majors are open for current students who wish to transfer.
Each major requires 120 credits for graduation. Students can
specialize their studies by choosing a concentration. Concentration
options include information security management, project
management, network and systems management, web design and
management, digital retail strategies or innovation, design, and
strategy.
Students can begin enrolling in the new programs for the Fall
2021 semester. For more information on applying to any iSchool
undergraduate program, visit the iSchool website.
Daryl Lovell
Syracuse University
315-380-0206
dalovell@syr.edu